Where is the largest football stadium in India located?  

Key Points

• Kolkata is home to the largest football stadium in India, known as the Salt Lake Stadium or officially the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
• The stadium has a seating capacity of around 85,000 spectators after renovations, making it one of the largest football stadiums in the world.
• It was inaugurated in 1984 and has since hosted numerous national and international football matches, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017.
• The stadium is a multi-purpose venue but is primarily used for football matches and athletic events.
• It is the home ground for prominent football clubs like ATK Mohun Bagan and East Bengal FC.

Additional Information

• The Salt Lake Stadium was the largest football stadium in the world before its capacity was reduced from over 120,000 to 85,000 for safety and comfort reasons.
• The stadium has also hosted other events like concerts and political rallies.
• It is named after Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world.
• The stadium complex includes facilities for various other sports like athletics, swimming, and volleyball.
• It has been a crucial venue for promoting and developing football in India, contributing significantly to the sport's growth in the region.